Experiential art and supported play programs for young children on Salt Spring Island.
The Little Loft Studio is a place for children to experience the freedom to create, explore and express themselves in a positive and supportive environment . We offer seasonal camps, Friday day programs and experiential art and play sessions from a home based practice located on the south end of Salt Spring Island. Programs are offered throughout the year for children ages 6 to 9 within an art & play studio connected to a large sand area, small garden and forest playground.
Little Loft Programs endeavor to continue to foster a child’s sense of wonder in the world, encourage creativity and support the creation of a positive self identity.
Children experiencing stress or anxiety find tools and activities here that are calming, engaging, and fun. Friendships are supported, as is self expression and awareness of others with the guidance of an experienced educator. It is an accepting environment of trust with each child a valued individual. Here your child will create their own learning, discover who they are and grow their sense of self, all in a fun and experiential way!
Offerings
Developing confidence, patience, and connection. Two Fridays per month from 9:30 to 2:30. Ages 7 to 9. Learn more >
Self expression and discovery to build a positive image of self. Check out current Sessions here.
Foster friendship and discovery during Spring Break, Summer Holidays and Winter Holidays. See Programs >
Developing confidence, patience, and connection. Two Fridays per month from 9:30 to 2:30. Ages 7 to 9. Learn more >
Self expression and discovery to build a positive image of self. Check out current Sessions here.
Foster friendship and discovery during Spring Break, Summer Holidays and Winter Holidays. See Programs >
Art Every Day
Art experiences are at the heart of all of the programs at the Little Loft. Children will have the opportunity to play with watercolour, acrylic, tempura paint, oil and chalk pastels, plenty of drawing and colouring materials, clay and playdough, collage materials, paper marbling, felting, clay work, and so much more.
Artistic and craft activities done in the past include making nests with clay and gathered material, photo collage, ice dying on tshirts, simple weaving, designing and sewing our own bird, paint pouring, bubble painting, paper mache creations, string pulling, making our own nature paint, printmaking in multiple ways…
Experiential and sensory art activities involve setting out materials for the children to explore in their own way. It could be watercoulour and salt, finger painting,painting upside down, stone tracing activity, using sponges and scratching implements, bilateral drawing (with both hands), body tracing and painting on paper, warm playdough, and so much more! Often the children discover something new and we end up with something unexpected and we build on that. The sky is the limit! Art and sensory experiences calm the nervous system, offer a relaxing effect and can be very effective in easing anxiety and stress for children and adults alike.
In the Loft are many other activities available at all times to the children. Soft dry sand trays, light table, light shapes, plasticine, glue and collage materials, beading, building materials, toy animals, standing easel & paint, books in the reading nook, puzzles, games, small instruments.
Little Loft will be a good fit if you:
• Would like your child to have more creative art experiences
• Are looking to build community and belonging for your child(ren)
• Want to foster creativity, confidence and self esteem
• Would like your child to have guidance during social interactions
• Would like for your child to practice entering play with positive strategies
• Think your child would benefit from the calming effect of sensory art experiences